Psalms 71:13
Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.
Original Language Analysis
יֵבֹ֣שׁוּ
Let them be confounded
H954
יֵבֹ֣שׁוּ
Let them be confounded
Strong's:
H954
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
יִכְלוּ֮
and consumed
H3615
יִכְלוּ֮
and consumed
Strong's:
H3615
Word #:
2 of 9
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
נַ֫פְשִׁ֥י
to my soul
H5315
נַ֫פְשִׁ֥י
to my soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
יַֽעֲט֣וּ
let them be covered
H5844
יַֽעֲט֣וּ
let them be covered
Strong's:
H5844
Word #:
5 of 9
to wrap, i.e., cover, veil, clothe, or roll
Cross References
Psalms 35:26Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify themselves against me.Jeremiah 20:11But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.Psalms 109:29Let mine adversaries be clothed with shame, and let them cover themselves with their own confusion, as with a mantle.Psalms 71:24My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.Psalms 35:4Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern warfare included curses against enemies. Israel's imprecatory psalms channel this reality through proper theological channels—requesting God's justice rather than taking personal revenge.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you process desires for justice on wrongdoers without taking vengeance into your own hands?
- What is the proper Christian use of imprecatory psalms that call for enemies' destruction?
- How do you balance praying for enemies' conversion with praying for their defeat if they persist in evil?
Analysis & Commentary
The imprecation asks that adversaries 'be consumed' and 'covered with reproach and dishonour' as they sought to bring on the psalmist. This mirrors Haman hanged on his own gallows (Esther 7:10) and Paul's warning that destruction comes on those who harm God's people (2 Thessalonians 1:6). These prayers aren't personal vengeance but appeals for divine justice. They acknowledge God as righteous judge who will vindicate His people and punish impenitent evil.